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The antitumor effects of geraniol: Modulation of cancer hallmark pathways (Review)
Minsoo Cho1, Insuk So2, Jung Nyeo Chun2
1Undergraduate Research Program, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Geraniol is a dietary monoterpene alcohol that is found in the essential oils of aromatic plants. To date, experimental evidence supports the therapeutic or preventive effects of geraniol on different types of cancer, such as breast, lung, colon, prostate, pancreatic, and hepatic cancer, and has revealed the mechanistic basis for its pharmacological actions. In addition, geraniol sensitizes tumor cells to commonly used chemotherapy agents. Geraniol controls a variety of signaling molecules and pathways that represent tumor hallmarks; these actions of geraniol constrain the ability of tumor cells to acquire adaptive resistance against anticancer drugs. In the present review, we emphasize that geraniol is a promising compound or chemical moiety for the development of a safe and effective multi-targeted anticancer agent. We summarize the current knowledge of the effects of geraniol on target molecules and pathways in cancer cells. Our review provides novel insight into the challenges and perspectives with regard to geraniol research and to its application in future clinical investigation.
Insights
Geraniol, a natural compound, shows promise as a multi-targeted anticancer agent. It effectively combats various cancers and enhances chemotherapy efficacy by targeting key cancer pathways.
Area of Science:
- Natural product chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Geraniol is a dietary monoterpene alcohol found in essential oils of aromatic plants.
- Existing evidence suggests geraniol possesses therapeutic and preventive effects against multiple cancer types, including breast, lung, colon, prostate, pancreatic, and hepatic cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge on geraniol's effects on cancer cells.
- To explore geraniol's potential as a multi-targeted anticancer agent.
- To provide insights into future clinical applications and research challenges.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental evidence on geraniol's anticancer effects.
- Analysis of geraniol's mechanisms of action on cancer signaling pathways.
- Summary of geraniol's impact on tumor cell resistance to chemotherapy.
Main Results:
- Geraniol demonstrates therapeutic and preventive effects across a spectrum of cancers.
- It sensitizes tumor cells to conventional chemotherapy agents.
- Geraniol targets multiple cancer hallmarks, inhibiting adaptive resistance.
Conclusions:
- Geraniol is a promising candidate for developing safe and effective multi-targeted anticancer therapies.
- Further research and clinical investigation are warranted to fully realize its therapeutic potential.
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